UV for clarification

[falconut]

Ok, I've been reading up on UV sterilizers & the consensus is they do clarify the water, but may not sterilize. I have a 180 gallon FOWLR tank, figure around 200 gallons total volume (less rock & sand).

My tank has dinos, so I was considering UV, as others have had success killing them with UV. Plus there seems to be a lot of free floating particles in the water (I'm already running 200 micron filter socks). Now, everybody seems to say go biggest unit you can & you get what you pay for. Then I looked at the price & wow are the name brands way to expensive for the size rated for 200 gallons.

I can get a 55W Jebao unit for around $80, but it's a huge unit that would be hard to fit & I have concerns on the build quality. I'd be nervous to say the least if this unit was located over the sump where a leak would drip into the sump, but not sure I could fit it over the sump.

Another option would be to get an Aqua UV 15W hang on unit fir around $120, which would fit perfectly & gang off the sump. I'd feel much more comfortable that it wouldn't leak since it's supposed to be of excellent quality. But it's only rated for a 75 gallon saltwater tank, so a little less than half the volume. I have a 1/2" sump off the return so it could plumb right in.

I don't have the cash for anything more than the Aqua UV 15W, so the larger Aqua UV models are out of the question. Would the 15W be too small to even clarify the water? Is the Jebao build quality good enough to use next to the sump?

What option would you consider between the 2?

 

[reaper0268]

I dont know about either, however I use the AA green killing machine 24w. It's about 65$ replacements 30$. I replace mine when the indicator light goes out. Every few years.

 

[James Mikell]

I believe fishofhex on youtube is using the jebao unit with excellent results. I use a lot of jebao products with good results so far and wouldn't be worried about using the uv they offer

 

[mtraylor]

Save up and get the one you want. Do it once.

 

[cgdcinc]

I have the Jebao 36 plumbed externally on my 50 gallon cube for two years. I’ve had zero issues. It runs 24/7. Change the bulb every 10 months. I was surprised at the difference in water clarity after changing bulbs. I get new ones for around 10 bucks.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

You can also look at units for ponds, I run a unit sized for a several thousand gallon pond that was only like ~$300. The sizing for clarification is different than for sterilization, you can get by with much less.

 

[falconut]

I was looking at the AA Green Killing machine, but it's still undersized (I think) plus I don't believe I have the room for a fully submerged unit.

I've had 2 of the Jebao wave makers, 1 is still running after 4 years, the other died after a year. So, 50/50 for me, but they're insidevthe tank. The leaking was what was making me nervous. They are UP listed, so long as you get the Jebao & not the Jebo.

Glad to hear some people are having success with the larger Jebao units. Maybe I'll have to see if I can fit one somewhere (kind of hidden, but accessible).

I have no plans to pay big money for one of these, so there really isn't one I really want.

Keep the suggestions coming. Would the small Aqua UV HOB just be wasting money for my tank?

 

[falconut]

I have the Jebao 36 plumbed externally on my 50 gallon cube for two years. I’ve had zero issues. It runs 24/7. Change the bulb every 10 months. I was surprised at the difference in water clarity after changing bulbs. I get new ones for around 10 bucks.

Was your Jebao unit the PU-36 or the CW-36? It looks like the PU model bulb head unscrews & the CW snaps or clips. I'd image the screw head would seal better.

 

[ReefTeacher]

Ok, I've been reading up on UV sterilizers & the consensus is they do clarify the water, but may not sterilize. I have a 180 gallon FOWLR tank, figure around 200 gallons total volume (less rock & sand).

My tank has dinos, so I was considering UV, as others have had success killing them with UV. Plus there seems to be a lot of free floating particles in the water (I'm already running 200 micron filter socks). Now, everybody seems to say go biggest unit you can & you get what you pay for. Then I looked at the price & wow are the name brands way to expensive for the size rated for 200 gallons.

I can get a 55W Jebao unit for around $80, but it's a huge unit that would be hard to fit & I have concerns on the build quality. I'd be nervous to say the least if this unit was located over the sump where a leak would drip into the sump, but not sure I could fit it over the sump.

Another option would be to get an Aqua UV 15W hang on unit fir around $120, which would fit perfectly & gang off the sump. I'd feel much more comfortable that it wouldn't leak since it's supposed to be of excellent quality. But it's only rated for a 75 gallon saltwater tank, so a little less than half the volume. I have a 1/2" sump off the return so it could plumb right in.

I don't have the cash for anything more than the Aqua UV 15W, so the larger Aqua UV models are out of the question. Would the 15W be too small to even clarify the water? Is the Jebao build quality good enough to use next to the sump?

What option would you consider between the 2?

I have a 180 as well and I got a used Aqua UV 40W model. Once you decide to go with a particular manufacturer, the price between the models is not much different. But there are a LOT of used units for sale; frequently people buy them to eradicate crypt, and end up selling it when it does not work. A UV unit is just a tube with a water proof center for the bulb, it should last a long time and second hand models are fine. I do not think 15W is worth it for your tank, but I only paid $150 for my 40W second hand.

If cost is a concern, you should also realize that the bulb needs to be replaced yearly and every once in a while you need a new quartz sleeve as well. I have always regretting getting equipment too small to do the job right. So I frequently sacrifice "newness" for something that is right-sized. Save up and do it right once; you will save money in the end.

 

[cgdcinc]

Was your Jebao unit the PU-36 or the CW-36? It looks like the PU model bulb head unscrews & the CW snaps or clips. I'd image the screw head would seal better.

Yes. The head unscrews and bulb swaps out in 30 seconds. PU-36

 

[falconut]

Yes. The head unscrews and bulb swaps out in 30 seconds. PU-36

I also read that these units have rotatable nozzles. Can't find any photos or videos showing how. Is the body really a 3 piece design, with seals? Appreciate any information.

 

[jpas]

You should look for a 3” body around the bulb. Also make sure that it has a liner otherwise the uv light will deteriorate the plastic housing.

I would look for at least 50 watts

 

[cgdcinc]

I also read that these units have rotatable nozzles. Can't find any photos or videos showing how. Is the body really a 3 piece design, with seals? Appreciate any information.

I have it mounted with both in the same direction. I don’t know if it rotates or not. I’ve never tried it.

 

[theMeat]

No problem on the Jebao build quality.

Won’t do much for floating particles

You should get at least 36w for your tank. 55w better.
Will kill free floating algae and bacteria that goes through the uv, but won’t stop what spreads /touches.
Get the flow slow enough and it sterilizes ich and pods. Doesn’t kill them directly but stops them from being able to reproduce

Yeah. Jebao Earlier modes had fixed outputs similar to Osyssea. Newer design has turntable outlets, similar to Coralife.

 

[falconut]

If I go Jebao, it'll probably be the 55 Watt unit, since it's only a little more $. So wattage wise it should be good. I was just worried about it being made cheaply, but seems it's people are having success with them.